With exactly 100 days to go until Rugby World Cup Sevens kicks off at the iconic Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, the match schedule has been announced, revealing some mouth-watering encounters for the thousands of spectators in the ground and millions more around the world to enjoy.
The teams have entered the closing stages as regards their preparations for the tournament with Wales’ men and Australia’s women gearing up to defend the titles they won in Dubai four years ago.
Part of that preparation is the HSBC Sevens World Series and the IRB Women’s Sevens World Series which are currently ongoing. The men are in Hong Kong this weekend for one of the highlights of the season while the women are looking forward to the China round of the women’s series, which takes place from March 30-31 in Guangzhou.
The schedule has offered up some potentially epic match-ups on all three days of the tournament. One of the men’s tournament favourites, Samoa, will kick things off on day one as they take on the always competitive Zimbabwe. Other highlights of the opening day’s entertainment will be the all-Pacific clash between Fiji and Tonga, England v Portugal, who have had some tough battles already this season, and then South Africa will take on the might of the home team, Russia, in front of a passionate Moscow crowd.
The intensity builds on day two as teams eye positions in the knockout stages. Among the thrilling games in store, Samoa play Kenya, Fiji take on defending champions Wales, Australia face France and New Zealand are up against both USA and Canada. In the women’s event, champions Australia must play South Africa, while Canada take on New Zealand and England conclude the day by facing Russia.
The tournament will come to a pulsating finish on day three with the knockout stages ensuring that every match is absolutely crucial.